Pregnant woman and husband killed in gang warfare

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – APRIL 28, 2026 28-year-old Igor Dante Santos and his pregnant wife, Ariane Anselmo Cortes (32), were shot dead in the Terreirão area of the Recreio dos Bandeirantes neighborhood. The couple had come to pick up items for a celebration of their expected baby’s birth when they found themselves caught in a shootout between armed members of a drug gang and a local militia. Ygor died at the scene, while Ariane, who was six months pregnant, succumbed to her injuries at the hospital. Their unborn child also died.

Police are investigating the circumstances of the shooting and its possible connection to the conflict between the Comando Vermelho drug gang and local militias. The victims’ family believes the couple may have been mistaken for militia members. However, this account has not been officially confirmed.